Planning your elf’s arrival doesn’t have to be stressful, use this free Elf on the Shelf mailing label as a fun way to welcome your elf back into your home (or have a brand new elf or elf pet arrive for their very first time!) There are so many fun Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas but a lot of them are over the top and would take a lot of time and money.

While I love the elf on the shelf tradition, sometimes the little mischievous elf can add a lot of stress (especially when you’re seeing all of these amazing elf ideas online). The whole point of the fun tradition is to add a little Christmas magic and maybe encourage good behavior from your children (depending on how you run your elf!) 

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For this arrival idea, all you have to do is pack your adorable elf into a box, type some details in the PDF, print out the free printable shipping label, and plop it onto the box. If you want to add a few extras you could throw in some fun extras (see some ideas below!). 

What Do the Elf on the Shelf Shipping Labels Look Like?

Here is what the label looks like without any customization completed.

How Do I Customize the Elf Mailing Labels?

Download the pdf file you’d like to use (either a single label or double label). Once you’ve downloaded it, open it in a PDF Reader such as the free Adobe Reader.

Then you can fill in the child’s name and address, as well as the elf’s name. Since it’s designed as a North Pole shipping label, you won’t need to change the return address, since it will always be Santa’s workshop.

Note: If you open the file in a browser, it may not work. Some browsers do not support custom PDF files.

Use the Free Elf Arrival Labels in Other Ways!

If you’re reading this and we’re already passed your elf’s arrival, you can save this idea for next year! Or, you can use the free printable North Pole labels in another way! 

The Christmas shipping labels are a simple design that could be used for any sort of special delivery during Christmas time. Make it a fun Christmas tradition to have your elf deliver something each year. 

Here are some possible ways to use the free shipping label. You could deliver…

• a special gift during the Christmas season 
• a Christmas Eve box 
• a special note
• Christmas pajamas for the whole family 
• a Christmas movie for the entire family to enjoy together 
• a small gift to thank a child for doing some good deeds
• advent calendars

What Can I Add to the Arrival Box to make it More Special?

Adding extras to your special delivery box can be so much fun – it’s a great way to start off the elf season. Here are some items you could add for just a small additional cost:

• special treat from the elf
• a personalized letter from Santa Claus
• advent calendar
• fun holiday cereal
• candy canes
• small gift
• an ornament for the Christmas tree
• elf pet

Free Matching Customizable Elf on the Shelf Return Letter

If you want to add a little extra touch to your elf’s arrival, use this free elf on the shelf arrival letter. It can be customized, too, and it coordinates perfectly with the North Pole mailing label.

Materials for the Elf on the Shelf Arrival Box

• Box
• Printer
• Letter size labels (or sticker paper)
• Printable Elf on the Shelf Mailing Label
• Packing tape
• Tissue paper to wrap the elf (if desired)

Directions for the Elf on the Shelf Arrival Box

1. Place the elf in the box and seal it with packing tape.
2. Download the free elf on the shelf shipping label.
3. Customize the label or print out the label and handwrite in the details.
4. Print the label. 
5. Place the label on the box.
6. DONE!

How Many Labels Come on a Page?

You will get 2 options. Either 1 label per page or 2 labels per letter size page. You can print them smaller by printing them at a smaller percentage or printing 2 per page.

What Type of Paper Should I Print the Elf Labels On?

I suggest printing the Christmas mailing labels on letter size sticker paper. You can also just print them on plain printer paper and use tape to adhere them to the box.

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When Should the Elf on the Shelf Arrive?

This is a much debated topic in Elf on the Shelf Facebook groups (yes, there are lots of groups out there). Some people have their scout elf arrive the day after Thanksgiving, while others wait until December 1st or later. Just do whatever works best for your family (we do December 1st in our home). 

Coordinating Elf on the Shelf Printables

Whether you are planning for your elf’s arrival, exit, donation, need to give them a warning about their behavior or more, I have coordinating elf printables that match this free printable elf mailing label.

Even if it isn’t your first year, you can start to use them now. If your children are younger, it’s the perfect way to make sure they have consistency each year with their elf.

You can get:

• Elf Welcome Letter
• Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter
• Elf Donation Letter
• Elf on the Shelf Name Generator
• Custom Gift Tags from Santa
• Elf on the Shelf Warning Letter

More Elf Fun Ideas and Freebies

Here at Mom Envy, you can also get lots of fun Elf on the Shelf printables including printable props, printable clothes,  little notes, printable letters you can customize, and more. You can find all of our Elf on the Shelf free printables here.

If you need some Elf on the Shelf Ideas to last you the whole holiday season, check out this list of Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Home including a printable calendar, 90+ ideas, and more. See all of the fun activities and funny antics of our elves. 

Tips for Downloading the Free Files

Below is an arrow that says Download Below. Underneath that is a form to fill out to sign up for the Free Mom Envy Club! When you sign up, you’ll get the files directly after.

Are you Already a Member?

If you’re already a member, you can access the free Elf on the Shelf Mailing Labels here.

Already a member but forgot the password? Don’t sign up again. Look at the end of any newsletter from me for the free password or just send me an e-mail here: [email protected]

Having Trouble?

If you have any trouble, please send me an e-mail (I will see that faster than a comment or a social media message). 

E-mail here: [email protected]

Copyright MOM ENVY 2023. Files may be used for personal use only. No commercial use of the file is available. Files may not be directly shared within Facebook groups, on websites, or in any other way. If using for educational purposes, the file may be printed and copied for classroom use. A link to the web page to download the files may be shared as well as one photo. The file may not be printed and then sold (including local yard sale sites and groups or at local craft fairs). The images may not be used in any way other than to share with a link to the original web page.

If you’re already a member, you can access the free Elf on the Shelf shipping labels here.